DC’s Lost World: The Potential of Earth-1985

DC Comics is currently experiencing a period of strength, fueled by initiatives like the “All-In” expansion and the success of the Absolute line. However, one concept teased in the final issue of the 2019 event series Doomsday Clock remains largely unexplored: Earth-1985. This world, briefly glimpsed in a single comic panel, represents a nostalgic and potentially rich vein for DC to mine.

The Metaverse and the Birth of Earth-1985

Doomsday Clock, written by Geoff Johns with art by Gary Frank, served as a sequel to Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’s Watchmen and a crossover between the Watchmen universe and the mainstream DC Universe [1]. The series introduced the idea of the “main” DC Universe as a Metaverse, where alternate timelines branch off based on changes to Superman’s origin story. Each alteration to Superman’s past creates a new, adjacent timeline, preserving the previous version of Kal-El.

Earth-1985 was visually presented as a world where the DC Universe’s Bronze Age era (roughly 1970-1985) continued uninterrupted by the 1985-1986 Crisis on Infinite Earths event. This suggests a reality where Supergirl survived, and heroes like the Flash (Barry Allen) did not meet their ends during the Crisis.

A Brighter Counterbalance to the Absolute Universe

The potential of Earth-1985 lies in its ability to offer a brighter, more optimistic counterpoint to the darker tone of DC’s Absolute line. It presents an opportunity to revisit classic iterations of beloved characters and explore “what if” scenarios that fans have long pondered.

Reimagining the DC Heroes of Earth-1985

Prior to the Crisis on Infinite Earths, the DC Universe featured a distinct status quo. The New Teen Titans were at the peak of their popularity, the Justice League of America was undergoing a transitional phase, John Stewart had succeeded Hal Jordan as Green Lantern, and Barry Allen had retired to the 30th century. A series set on Earth-1985 could explore how these iconic versions of the characters evolved in a world without the Crisis.

• The Justice League: A revitalized Justice League could include original members alongside additions like Supergirl and Batgirl, something fans desired during the Bronze Age.
• Green Lantern: John Stewart could permanently assume the mantle of Green Lantern.
• Batman and the Outsiders: Batman’s Outsiders could be integrated into the League, featuring heroes like Black Lightning, Metamorpho, and Katana.
• The Flash: Wally West could become the Flash without Barry Allen’s death during the Crisis.
• The Teen Titans: The Teen Titans, already established as a formidable team, could officially join the Justice League.

Drawing Inspiration from X-Men ’97

A potential Earth-1985 series could take inspiration from the approach of Marvel’s X-Men ‘97, which successfully reintroduced iconic versions of the X-Men while simultaneously pushing the narrative in new and unexpected directions. This would allow for deeper characterization of the classic DC Trinity – Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman – than they previously received.

A Missed Opportunity?

Earth-1985 remains a largely untapped resource for DC Comics. While a nostalgic appeal is undeniable, the potential for compelling storytelling and character development makes it a concept worth revisiting. A series, whether ongoing or limited, could finally deliver on the promise hinted at years ago and offer fans a unique and engaging experience.